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AI-Based Gamified Solutions for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Role: Research Assistant

Collaborators: Dr. S.N. Omkar (Supervisor), Dhruv Shinde (Collaborator)

Institution: Computer Intelligence Lab, Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

Project Overview

This project aimed to develop AI-powered gamified solutions for occupational therapists to assist children on the autism spectrum. The solutions were designed to enhance gross motor skills, joint attention, and cognitive development, incorporating concepts from speech therapy, Theory of Mind, and motor skill development.

The focus shifted from speech therapy to gross motor skills following feedback from experts, tailoring the solutions to the specific needs of non-verbal autistic children.

Responsibilities and Contributions

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  1. Observations and Data Gathering:

    • Visited ASHA, a school for special children, to observe speech therapy sessions and assess techniques suitable for gamification.

    • Held discussions with therapists to understand practical challenges and user requirements.

  2. Collaboration with Experts:

    • Consulted with NIMHANS to evaluate the feasibility of AI-driven speech therapy solutions.

    • Incorporated feedback from experts, focusing on gross motor skill development for non-verbal autistic children.

  3. Research and Analysis:

    • Studied topics including speech therapy in autism, joint attention, and Theory of Mind to inform solution development.

    • Conducted a comprehensive review of existing tools and solutions in occupational therapy.

  4. Curriculum Segmentation:

    • Analyzed and categorized the complete syllabus for various grades into fine motor, gross motor, and speech skill components.

    • Brainstormed potential gamified interventions for each skill category to create engaging and effective solutions.

  5. Solution Development:

    • Designed AI-based gamified approaches tailored to support occupational therapists in improving children's motor and cognitive abilities.

    • Suggested features leveraging interactive technology to make therapy sessions more engaging and outcome-driven.

Challenges

The project encountered several challenges, including adapting therapy techniques to suit non-verbal autistic children and aligning gamified solutions with therapeutic goals. Balancing the technical feasibility of AI-based tools with the practical needs of occupational therapists required iterative brainstorming and extensive collaboration with experts. Additionally, understanding the nuances of autism spectrum disorders demanded a steep learning curve in both psychological and therapeutic concepts.

Key Learnings and Impact

  • User-Centered Design: Gained insights into designing solutions tailored to the needs of children with autism and their therapists.

  • Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Developed a strong understanding of motor skill development, speech therapy, and psychological concepts like joint attention.

  • Collaboration with Institutions: Learned the importance of incorporating feedback from experts and stakeholders to create practical and impactful solutions.

Outcome and Future Directions

The project identified critical areas where gamified solutions can enhance therapy outcomes for children with autism. Future efforts will focus on developing prototypes, testing with target users, and incorporating AI-driven customizations to meet individual needs.

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